Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Someone I know went to see Proby at one of the shows listed in the article Peter and Nick posted.

Things not really changed apparently he started to remonstrate with the band for whatever reason and only did a one hour set.

Opening act was a comedian not billed and after he had done his bit there was a half hour interval before Proby then appeared.

Not sure how show was billed but apparently very poorly attended.

Proby not a big enough draw on his own now in my view to warrant his own show, OK as part of a package type show.

Still back in 64 when he was very popular bet he could not have imagined even performing 43 years on.

What a great story! You may be wondering why I say that? When I read this story alcoholism was written all over his life, this is a very familiar story, a text book case; a shy talented person needs alcohol and drugs to function. Their ego gets out of control, they destroy their life and if they are lucky like him they get sober and see their life for what it really was: ruined by alcohol and drugs and everything associated with it. An old cliche is that an alcoholic is an ego maniac with an inferiority complex, which drives many of them to lives of great excess (if they are in a position to do it). The reason I say this is a great story is that he is now sober which is success for any alcoholic. He may never attain the great heights of success he once had but he is probably happier now than at any time in his life. I know this sounds too simplistic but what drives and helps people like him often destroys them. "Alcohol gave me wings to fly, then took away the sky".
Too bad this aspect of his life was glossed over for the more sensational parts, what has happened to him since he stopped drinking in 1992, I mean in his life? Nothing much was said about it, the writer should have dug a little more into his day to day life since he stopped.

I didn't mean to kill this thread, just my opinion, carry on folks.

While P. J.Proby's difficulties make him just noticeably different that the average 1960s artist on the circuit today, I continue to be amazed at the longevity of these artists. How many of us listening to our favourite act of the 1960s would ever have thought that they would still be performing today.

With this in mind, when do you think that an act should call it a day?

admin wrote: With this in mind, when do you think that an act should call it a day?

It would vary according to the act/person. Probably when the public stops buying and going to see them. On the other hand there are several who don't know when to give up. people like Tony Bennett, Marianne Faithful, Bobby Vee to name but a few that come to mind.

Jim

Totally disagree on Bobby Vee I think he puts on a great show.

I suppose most of the sixties acts will carry on as long as they are getting regular bookings, The Searchers since the late 80's have done very well in terms of amount of bookings they get, of course they could never fill arenas etc but they stick to small theatres and do odd cabaret clubs.

I actually believe that here in UK Flying Music a promotion comapny actually deserve a lot of credit for reviving the careeers of many 60's acts.

In 1986 they started to put together the long forgotten package tour featuring 3/4 different acts, all past their sell by date, but a lot of the public who would not venture out to clubs started to turn up to theatres.

Back in the 70's when I followed The Searchers they appeared at some very low venues and few were interested in them.

royclough wrote:Totally disagree on Bobby Vee I think he puts on a great show.

My statement anout Bobby is based on when I saw him at Minehead about 3/4 years ago. His voice had just gone and he was very disappointing.

We had a Bobby Vee debate on here Jim before you joined us, most tended to agree with you to be honest,but whilst his voice is not what it was in 60's, I still enjoy watching him and his band.

He always seems to enjoy what he's doing.

But that is what debate is Jim we all can agree to disagree